This week was the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, reminding us that all infrastructure is connected. When we cannot bounce back from unavoidable events, we hurt our economy. One only needs to read the countless stories this week on Sandy to see the impacts still being felt. As with almost all infrastructure, the question is how we pay for these repairs and who bears the financial burden. As politicians debate these issues, real families and real businesses continue to fight and overcome from this tragedy.
Interestingly, the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy coincides with next week’s upcoming elections. Localities and states continue to struggle with funding our nation’s infrastructure, perhaps best summarized in this quote from U.S. Conference of Mayors President Scott Smith (mayor of Mesa, AZ):
“I think there is one thing mayors as a whole are concerned about and that is the seeming lack of commitment and excitement about long-term transportation and infrastructure investments.”
Luckily, the great state of Maine is in a position to improve its infrastructure at the ballot box next week. On Nov. 5, Maine voters will be asked to approve Question 3, which asks whether voters favor a $100 million bond issue for reconstruction and rehabilitation of highways and bridges and for equipment and facilities related to other modes of transportation. This bond would be matched with about $154 million. With the backing of the Bangor Daily News and other publications, the Question continues to pick up momentum. Hopefully Maine voters will see the direct connection between the Question and their economic future next Tuesday.
Till next week.